Mount Clemens approves sale of three vacant city lots; commissioners question notice and maintenance responsibilities

The Mount Clemens City Commission authorized the sale of three vacant city-owned lots after City Administration recommended the transactions and commissioners discussed notice and property-maintenance expectations.

City Administration recommended selling 16 Stapleton Street for $500 to Craig Dunlop; 88 Gibbs Street for $750 to Nick Bobbit (listed as a resident and local builder); and North Walnut lots (parcel IDs 05-11D12-354-008 and -009) for $500 to Clifford Brown. The recommendation included authorization for the mayor and clerk to sign closing documents.

Commissioner Forier asked whether the city posts vacant-lot sales publicly or solicits bids: "When these properties are going up for sale is there a public notice or is there bidding or how do you determine ... how can you be aware of them?" City staff (Brian Tingley) described previous approaches, including direct contact with adjacent property owners, listing lots with a real estate broker and maintaining a Community Development list and interest form. He said past broker listings produced only limited sales and that the city currently accepts offers from interested parties who complete the form.

Commissioner Mener asked whether neighbors were canvassed about the Gibbs property; staff said they had spoken to several neighbors but had not canvassed the entire block. Commissioners also emphasized that buyers must maintain properties (cut grass, remove snow) and raised public-safety concerns after a report of a vacant house with exposed wiring and recent shooting activity in the neighborhood.

A roll-call vote approved the sales; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from the commissioners present. The city attorney will prepare settlement statements and quitclaim deeds to effect the transfers.